Human rights activists have said more than 400 protesters have been killed and 16,800 others arrested in a crackdown by security forces."Before anything else, I would like to express my condolences to all of the bereaved families in Iran," defender Hajsafi said at the start of the news conference.- Iran's turbulent build-up amid mass anti-government protests- Iran boss Carlos Queiroz says players 'free to protest'"We cannot deny the conditions - the conditions in my country are not good and the players know it also," the AEK Athens full-back added.The build-up to the tournament had seen calls for Iran to be kicked out of the World Cup, with campaigners citing the country's alleged military backing for Russia's invasion of Ukraine and human rights issues including its treatment of women.But this is a country where the authorities have violently cracked down on so many of those speaking out against oppression."